Volleyball World Cup, eighths: Italy beats Cuba 3-1 and flies to the quarterfinals

The blues stumble upon the best evening of the Caribbean. On Wednesday 7th we will be back on the pitch against the winner of France-Japan

Italy-Cuba 3-1 (25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18)

Italy lands in the quarters even if they have to suffer until the end against a Cuba that has played the best game at the right time. The Azzurri were good at not losing heart when things got bad and they had the merit of having been able to take advantage of the mistakes of the Cubans. Now there are the quarters, Wednesday 7 September against the winner between France and Japan. De Giorgi with Cuba brings Galassi back to the center of Italy and leaves Anzani on the bench. Cuba, as expected, shoots full fire at the service, and Herrera (who will play in Perugia from October) hits the mark of 3-2. But it is the blues’ flot service that does the first damage, not enough to unleash the Caribbean who remain in contact with Italy (many jokes wrong). Italy’s change of ball continues to work well, but Cuba is back in the lead 14-12. But Italy remains in direct contact: Cuba is wrong and director Goide Arredondo fails to trigger the potential for attack and so Italy takes control. And with a wall of Galassi closes the account of the first set.

The reaction

Cuba sly in the second puts the Azzurri reception in crisis by changing bar and takes a nice break (12-8). Italy stutters and no longer finds continuity in attack. The Cuban wall keeps a good watch on Lavia and Italy does not mend the break. Then Simon digs the furrow (23-19) and De Giorgi sends Sbertoli on the field for Giannelli. The last mistake of Romanò, on a dirty lift leads to a draw. Cuba is exalted in the “battle” as Simon had said on the eve and begins to hit from all positions in attack and serve. Italy tries to escape, but fails to escape, despite the errors (many) Cuba is always very close. Dangerously close. He leaves no respite for the Azzurri. Anzani also enters, Italy wastes even two set balls, in a Marchian way. And Cuba reaches Italy 24-24, thanks to a shot from Herrera. The same bomber shoots out the ball of 26-24, it is 2-1 for the blues. Italy does not even know how to take advantage of this advantage and starts very badly in the fourth set 5-1. But Italy is recovering one piece at a time, hitting the 8 to 8. And then when the wall is recorded, it has the strength to go and close it with determination. Now await the winner of France and Japan with the quarterfinals scheduled for 7 September.

ttn-14